Galling: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Old English 'gælan,' which means to irritate or vex.
• In Middle English, it referred to something that would sore or hurt, leading to its current meaning of annoyance.
• The root word 'gall' can also refer to bile, a bitter fluid, indicating how irritating behavior can cause strong feelings.

Psychology

• Experiencing events that are galling may lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety.
• People often respond to galling situations with anger, which can influence their relationships and social interactions.
• The feeling of being galling can trigger the fight-or-flight response, highlighting our instinctive reactions to annoyance.

Literature

• Shakespeare often used galling situations in his plays to develop conflict, showcasing how annoyance drives character actions.
• In contemporary literature, characters may express their galling frustrations through humorous or dramatic internal monologues.
• The tension that arises from galling scenarios is a common theme in modern storytelling, reflecting real-life experiences.

Pop Culture

• In films and television shows, characters often find themselves in galling predicaments, providing humor or drama for the audience.
• Galling moments in comedy often serve as a plot device, where the lead character faces increasingly annoying obstacles.
• The phrase 'galling mistake' can often be heard in news headlines, pointing out errors that lead to frustration in politics or society.

Positioned at #22,602, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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• 22599 prettier
• 22600 pleurisy
• 22601 credential
• 22602 galling
• 22603 clumsily
• 22604 brightening
• 22605 brag
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